The Blackhawks scored five unanswered goals for their first victory against the Golden Knights, 5-3 on Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Patrick Kane and Dylan Strome stay hot
Kane and Strome each had a goal and two assists in Vegas to continue their strong play. Kane’s has 14 points (six goals, eight assists) during his seven-game point streak, while Strome has collected eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his last four games, with the duo linking up on two goals in each game during that span. Oh, and Alex DeBrincat isn’t too shabby either with five assists, including two against the Golden Knights, in his last two games.
Entertaining to watch
The Blackhawks’ system changes have brought a new entertaining brand of hockey. It is high risk, high reward and a whole lot of fun to watch. The two teams combined for 116 shot attempts and 59 total scoring chances, according to Natural Stat Trick. Oh, and there were eight goals despite strong goaltending from Corey Crawford and Marc-Andre Fleury. Each team, whether justified or not, were also awarded a penalty shot but both Zack Smith and Jonathan Marchessault didn’t convert. The Blackhawks will get burned sometimes, but at least they have the offensive firepower to response and make the game entertaining.
Quick response
The Blackhawks scored three goals less than a minute after another one was scored, or appeared to have been scored, by either team. Patrick Kane scored 16 seconds after William Karlsson’s power play goal gave Vegas a 2-0 lead just six minutes into the game. In the second period, Calvin de Haan netted his first goal with Chicago only 15 seconds after Alex Tuch appeared to have scored, but video review showed the puck hit the crossbar and didn’t cross the goal line. Erik Gustafsson kept the momentum rolling with his first goal of the season 45 seconds later for Chicago to take the lead.
It was the second straight game the Blackhawks scored two goals in less than a minute as they tallied two goals in 10 seconds against the Maple Leafs on Sunday.